28 Start Applying to Desired Graduate or Professional school (Needed for graduate school)

(DRAFT) still working on this part

Start Applying to Desired Graduate or Professional School” refers to actually completing and submitting your applications to the graduate or professional programs you have selected during your planning phase.

Start Applying to Desired Graduate or Professional School early can help you:

1. Turns your plans into action: By starting the application process, you are taking concrete steps towards your graduate education goals.
2. Allows for early submission: Completing applications early gives you the opportunity to submit before deadlines, potentially putting you ahead in rolling admissions processes.
3. Provides time for revisions: Starting early allows you to draft, review, and refine your application materials, ensuring they are of the highest quality.

Information

• Review and consolidate planning stage outcomes:
  • Go through all notes and research from your planning stage ( Junior Year)
• Finalize your list of schools:
  • Review your research and confirm your final list of programs
• Gather application materials:
  • Obtain official transcripts from all previous institutions
  • Collect and organize all necessary test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.)
  • Prepare a updated resume or CV
• Complete standardized tests:
  • Take required tests if you haven’t already
  • Request official score reports be sent to your chosen schools
• Finalize your personal statement and statement of purpose:
  • Tailor each statement to the specific program and school
  • Have others review and provide feedback on your drafts
• Secure letters of recommendation:
  • Formally request letters from your chosen recommenders
  • Provide them with necessary information (deadlines, submission instructions, your resume, etc.)
• Fill out application forms:
  • Create accounts on each school’s application portal
  • Complete all required fields accurately
  • Double-check for any errors or omissions
• Prepare supplementary materials:
  • Compile any additional required documents (writing samples, research proposals, portfolios, etc.)
• Write diversity statements or other optional essays:
  • If applicable, prepare any additional essays or statements requested by the programs
• Review and submit applications:
  • Carefully review all components of each application
  • Submit applications well before the deadlines
• Pay application fees:
  • Submit payment for each application
  • Apply for fee waivers if eligible
• Confirm receipt of materials:
  • Follow up with schools to ensure all parts of your application have been received
• Prepare for interviews:
  • Research common interview questions for your field
  • Practice your responses and prepare questions for the interviewers
• Apply for financial aid:
  • Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  • Apply for scholarships, grants, and assistantships
• Keep track of responses:
  • Monitor your email and application portals for updates or requests for additional information
• Plan for campus visits:
  • If invited, arrange to visit campuses or attend virtual information sessions
• Make your decision:
  • Compare offers and program details
  • Consider factors like fit, location, and financial support
  • Accept your chosen offer and decline others
• Prepare for enrollment:
  • Complete any required pre-enrollment tasks (housing arrangements, course registration, etc.)
  • Begin planning your transition to graduate school